Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is proud to announce that our education programmes, delivered in partnership with South Bank Colleges, have been shortlisted for the HSJ Partnership Awards 2026 in the category Best Educational Programme for the NHS.
The HSJ received a large number of exceptional entries across 24 award categories this year. Senior NHS leaders reviewed the submissions and assessed the impact and innovation achieved through partnership working across health and care. From initiatives tackling health inequalities to programmes supporting population health, the awards highlight the powerful role that collaboration plays in delivering meaningful change across the NHS.
We are delighted that our joint initiative with South Bank Colleges is among the projects selected for the national shortlist.
Strengthening skills across the workforce
The shortlisted entry recognises Moorfields programmes in Functional Skills and Fundamental Digital Skills, two initiatives designed to support staff development and strengthen confidence in essential workplace capabilities across the organisation.
Developed in partnership with South Bank Colleges, the programmes aim to ensure that all staff have access to high quality education that supports both their professional development and their ability to deliver excellent patient care. The Functional Skills programme focuses on core capabilities such as English and mathematics, while the Fundamental Digital Skills programme helps staff build the confidence and practical knowledge required to work effectively in an increasingly digital health service.
Together these programmes create opportunities for staff at all levels of the organisation to enhance their skills, improve career prospects, and engage more confidently with digital systems that support modern healthcare delivery.
Recognised nationally as best practice
The impact of the programmes has generated considerable interest across the NHS. Colleagues from other trusts across the region and nationally have engaged with Moorfields to learn more about the approach and how similar initiatives can be developed within their own organisations.
The work has also been shared across a range of national forums and professional networks. The programmes have been highlighted through NHS digital workforce networks, featured by NHS Employers as an example of effective workforce development, and discussed during a recent HTN webinar focused on building digital literacy and skills across the health service.
This growing interest reflects a wider recognition that investment in staff education is essential for delivering sustainable improvement across the NHS.
A partnership approach to workforce development
The success of the programmes reflects the strength of the partnership between Moorfields Eye Hospital and South Bank Colleges. By combining expertise in clinical care with specialist education and training, the collaboration has created accessible learning opportunities that support both organisational priorities and the personal development of staff.
Being shortlisted for the HSJ Partnership Awards is a significant achievement and recognises the dedication of colleagues across both organisations who have contributed to the design and delivery of these programmes.
Moorfields looks forward to continuing this partnership work to ensure that staff have the skills, confidence, and support they need to thrive in a modern and evolving health service.